If you have a car with a high-trade in value, you’re already setting yourself up for a better deal when you want to buy a new vehicle. Yes, no matter what you do, your car will depreciate. But if you don’t take care of your car properly, then you will speed up the process, making it quite problematic when you’re trying to sell it. Here’s a shortlist of things you should avoid doing so that you can maintain your car’s value.
1. Neglecting repairs
If you do not maintain your car properly, it will start showing signs of wear and tear. And when this happens, you’ll have to shell out a bit more for repairs. And if that’s not bad enough, repair and maintenance services aren’t cheap either. In that case, you may have to look for a cheaper used vehicle that you can easily afford.
2. Ignoring your car’s maintenance schedule
If you don’t follow up on your maintenance schedule, then your car will start showing signs of wear and tear, as well as damage sooner rather than later. The said thing usually happens because of neglecting the task or not doing it properly. And when this happens, you’ll have to shell out more money for repairs and maintenance.
3. Neglecting your car’s safety features
Many vehicles have federally mandated safety features that you need to follow to make sure everything is okay. And if you don’t, then it will accelerate the reduction of your car’s value. If you are a new driver, then it’s also important for you to know the rules and regulations regarding the use of these safety features. Otherwise, you may end up getting into an accident that will be quite disastrous for everything related to your vehicle.
4. Not cleaning it regularly
Built-up dirt and grime on your car can damage its exterior, resulting in an expensive paint job if you have to resell it. So it’s important for you to take good care of your car to ensure that this does not happen.
5. Racking up too many kilometers on your vehicle
If you use up excess mileage on your vehicle, it will wear your vehicle’s parts and components out. This will impact the car’s value and make it harder for you to sell it on the used car market. Around 50,000 – 75,000 kilometers is the best time to sell your car.